Sub-committee asks Centre to expedite movement of grains

The state has been facing problems due to non lifting of grains from the godowns. The warehouses are full as the Centre has not been ensuring enough movement of grains to other states. The rice has to be stored in covered warehouses only and it cannot be kept in the open or in silos like wheat.

At present, Punjab has a capacity of 120 lakh tonnes of grains in covered warehouses and it is completely full. Apart from this, 60 lakh ton grains are lying in open plinths.

The ministers said that a coordination committee has already been formed so that there is no problem regarding procurement. Food and Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that last year 173 lakh tons of paddy had arrived in the mandis, out of which 117 lakh tons of rice is yet to be produced.

So far 100 lakh tons of rice has been given to FCI and 17 lakh tons of rice is still lying in the mills, the milling of which will be done by the end of July.

He admitted that at present there is a shortage of covered godowns in Punjab in proportion to the grain. He said they have sent a proposal to the central government to build godowns with a capacity of 45 lakh tonnes. The proposal is awaiting clearance.